Filmmakers line up to enter the Red Rock Film Festival

Before the Red Rock Film Festival even announced their call for entries for their 9th Annual Festival, more than 300 filmmakers had already submitted, not including locals and students. The festival is a grass-roots organization that has added different categories over the years including the Aglet Awards for micro-budget films, Featurettes for mid-length films, Short-Shorts for films 5 minutes and under and Easter Eggs for its featured  artists.

In 2010, the Red Rock Film Festival received 701 entries; but the next few years the entries dropped in half, until last year when they suddenly were on the rise again.

Festival director, Marxteyn said "In the 2014 season we had a huge increase in foreign film and I believe it is because we happened to program several foreign films in the years before. As a niche festival that looks for films with a message, filmmakers sometimes worry if they fit until they see the diversity that is accepted."

Several former filmmakers also recommend the Red Rock Film Festival such as Jim Blumetti who had an Industry screening with his film "The Key" and told his friend M. Legend Brown.

Brown said "A friend told me that it was an amazing experience and what a great hospitality for filmmakers and a growing environment."

Sonja Isabella submitted her film "Mighty Benjamin Little" and is her first year entering into festivals as a director.

She said, "It had been recommended to me by fellow film students that had taken part in prior years and really enjoyed the experience. I hope that my film will qualify as it highlights the perseverance of the human spirit and the good in people, despite trials and tribulations. I appreciate festivals like yours, that strive to provide a showcase for new filmmakers that have a hard time getting noticed at large venues.

The festival is also accepting applications for film previewers who have experience in the film and the performing art. Interested parties can ask for an application by email at revolunteer@ophilia.com. Filmmakers who would like to enter the 9th Annual Red Rock Film Festival can submit at filmfreeway.com/festival/RedRockFilmFestival. Entry fees vary depending on length. More information is available at the festival's website at www.redrockfilmfestival.com.